There’s a lot of unattractive nursery furniture and decor out there. At 29 weeks pregnant, let’s just say I’ve spent a good chunk of that time looking at baby gear, and I’ve seen a lot of banal stuff out there. It takes some digging (and avoiding big-box baby stores) to discover unique and whimsical items that will give your nursery a stylish, one-of-a-kind feel.

In my quest to create a nursery, I’ve taken it upon myself to find balance between cutesy baby stuff and adult-friendly decor. After much thought it occurred to me that I didn’t want to be sitting in a childish safari-themed room, and would much rather be spending my time (who am I joking … 24/7) in a room where I will be physically and emotionally comfortable. I know from mom friends how hard those first few months are on your body and mind, and I wanted to create a room that not only caters to all baby’s needs, but mine as well.

It’s important for me to create an environment that lifts my spirits and keeps me comfortable throughout the day while nursing and hanging with my girl. I know there are going to be really tough moments where I’ll be feeling anxious and frustrated, and being in a safe, comfortable space as a new mom is important. So, I’m in the process of creating a feminine room that is both child- and adult-friendly. It’s happy and whimsical — not overly girly and not too childish.

In my quest to find a mommy-baby balance in the nursery, I noticed some really cool decorative trends. Here are a few that I think are worth sharing.

1. Llama Decor

Source: Anthropologie.

Llamas are the new unicorns, and thank god. You can’t toss a pacifier without hitting some unicorn-bedecked item in a kids’ store these days.

When quilt shopping for our little girl, I came across this kooky llama quilt (seen above, $98-$178) via Anthropologie. How fun! Anthro clearly is embracing this silly creature, as you’ll find llama decor throughout out their site — mobile ($56), pouf ($128), growth chart ($68), coin bank ($24), etc. Seriously, so much. If you troll their site, you’ll find llamas aplenty.

Etsy also has their share of llama items — llama crib sheet ($30), swaddle blanket ($37) and prints you can frame ($6).

2. Modern Cribs

Source: Pottery Barn Kids

Modern cribs with clean lines are all the rage. Pottery Barn Kids’ Modern Baby line includes beautiful cribs like the convertible Lolly crib (seen above, $399) by Babyletto, which I purchased for our nursery.  West Elm and Crate & Kids also carry some great contemporary styles by Babyletto, Stokke and DaVinci Baby.

If you are in the market for a bassinet, check out the SNOO Smart Sleeper ($1,295). We scored one on Black Friday when they were hugely discounted. The bassinets are supposed to be a total game changer with sleep training. And as someone who loves sleep, I’m willing to splurge here.

3. Handmade Mobiles

Source: Etsy.

While hunting for nursery decor, I came across so many precious handmade mobiles. This knit kitten mobile (seen above, $151) on Etsy caught my eye. I also love Serena & Lily’s felted elephants mobile ($148), along with this cloud and star mobile ($59) and minimal wood mobile ($39) on Etsy.

The Moms On Call Basic Baby Care book (which I highly recommend BTW) notes that babies learn by association, and therefore you shouldn’t hang mobiles over the crib. Babies need to associate the crib with sleep time, not playtime. So if you are going the mobile route, perhaps hang it over the changing table instead. It will make butt-wiping more enjoyable for all.

4. Boho Crib Skirts

Source: Serena & Lily.

Serena + Lily’s macrame crib skirt (seen above, $78) is so much fun! Can they please make this for grown-up beds?! Crate & Kids has a cool one decked out in navy pom-poms (on sale for $39.97 now!) and this linen skirt with fringe ($28) on Etsy would be fun for a more subdued natural-looking nursery. I’m a fan of Anthro’s dyed tassel skirt ($78), but I feel like you can create this look yourself for much cheaper.

Crib skirts obviously aren’t necessary (all you really need is a fitted crib sheet), but I think that if you find something special like the ones above, it’s totally worth gussying up baby’s bed.

5. House Beds

Source: Etsy.

I was pleasantly surprised to find such a large inventory of house beds on Etsy. I like this one (seen above, $245) for its sheer simplicity and affordability. (If you or your partner are handy, you can create one for a fraction of price though!) Resting on the ground, it’s toddler-friendly, so little ones can get in and out of bed easily.

Also, I’m a big fan of daybeds in the nursery. We got an IKEA daybed that pulls out into a queen for our baby’s room, so that my husband and I have a place to nap and relax while taking care of our girl.

6. Campy Themes

Source: Crate & Kids.

Crate & Kids has a bunch of cheeky themes that break the mold of traditional nurseries. For instance, this camper play tent (seen above, and now on sale for $169!) takes the whole forest theme to a new level. You can even complete your setup with a campfire and log set ($69), log seat ($59) and toy camping set ($59). How freakin’ adorable is that? I can’t even.

. . . 

T-minus 74 days until my due date, so I still have plenty of time to finish nesting and decorating the nursery. I’d love some decor tips and product recommendations! Thanks friends! xo, marissa